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Towering about 25 feet tall, with a big feathered headdress and ritual facial scars is – the Freeport, Indian – who also goes by the local nickname of “FBI” or Freeport Big Indian. 
When driving along Route 1 outside Freeport, Maine, there’s a landmark you can’t miss – if so, you could need a visual checkup.
But, in the interests of political correctness, FBI is now MBNA or Maine's Big Native American and constructed of fiberglass, plywood and steel rods.
Originally, FBI/BMNA stood next to the Casco Bay Trading Post, a clothing and gift shop. The building was converted into an auto shop, a clothes store, the Conundrum Wine Bistro. and is now occupied by Winter People Image Marketing. Throughout the store changes, the statue prevailed.
After a recent face lift which included a new coat of paint, the statue is looking better than in recent years. It was created by Rodman Shutt of Strasburg, PA, creator of other fiberglass giants, including the Big Indian in Charlemont, MA, and Amos at the Hershey Farm Restaurant and Inn in Lancaster, PA
FBI/MBNA was transported from Rod's studio in Strasburg, PA via flatbed truck in 1969. According to one account, when it was being transported to Maine, it caused such a sensation on the NJ Turnpike that the state demanded the driver only drive at night.
Just wondered, did they really think that helped people NOT notice?
11 comments:
Beautiful landmark.
Costas
This FBI is certainly the original Homeland Security.
I like it. I know of a big goose in Wawa and a big moose in Dryden, but this has them beat.
Hello Costas,this landmark is in very good shape and very well restored. It is quite an impressive sight.
Good comment, Lois, wish I had thought of that!
AC, seems there are more giant statues than we ever knew about and this is the second one we've seen in Maine after Paul Bunyan in Bangor. We heard there's a big chocolate moose somewhere in this state, hopefully indoors!
What a fun bit of info, glad to see him still standing.He looks more toward a plains tribe.I enjoy these huge works.
You know, I haven't been to Maine since...so long ago... and yet...I remember seeing this Native American standing tall! How cool to see it here on your site - I really got quite excited because I knew I had seen it!
Thanks for a lovely trip down memory lane!
Ann
PS Going to be following along - let's see what other surprises you send my way!Please visit me at my history blog - I'd love to have you along!
Hi Folks....You could have stopped by for coffee!! I might not be a good host since my head is pounding with a head ache but feeling better!!
Freeport only about 30 minutes from me.
I hope your stopping at LL Beans store..it is a must!!
I did not know all that information about the "Big Chief" : } Thanks!!
Interesting! He's just huge.
I love the landmarks like this, and there really are quite a few around the country. That must have been a sight to see when he was being transported down the highway.
Hi Out on the Prairie, this big guy would probably be more "at home" anyplace other than off a major highway. It's sad to think that the statue was put in place to promote a store with the words "trading post" in its name.
Thanks Ann and Welcome to our blog. Glad to have brought back a memory with this statue. We've been posting on our blog since starting our Maine road trip nearly 4 weeks ago. Going back to our VA eastern shore home will be nice. And yes I will visit your blog, thanks for the invite. Come back again anytime!
Grammie G - THANKS, but maybe another time for coffee cause we know you have to feel better and glad to hear that you are doing OK. Yes, we did get to Freeport and the outlets, including L.L. Bean but found no bargains. Still is was an experience to see so many outlets all in one place. we can just imagine how busy a place Freeport is in tourist season, luckily we were not in any crowds and parking was easy too.
Mona, the Big Indian is not just big but HUGE!
Elaine, yes that would have been a signt to see - night OR day.
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